Overview
Highland Park 18-Year-Old Viking Pride is a masterfully crafted Orkney single malt, renowned for its balance of rich sherried sweetness, heather smoke, and refined oak complexity. Aged in a high proportion of first-fill European and American oak sherry-seasoned casks, this whisky offers deep layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, spice, and aromatic peat, making it one of the most celebrated Highland Park expressions.

Appearance

• Color: Deep mahogany, reflecting extensive sherry cask maturation.
• Viscosity: Medium-to-heavy legs, suggesting a rich, silky texture.

Nose (Aroma & Complexity)

• First Impression: Elegant and complex, with a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
• Detailed Notes:
  • Fruity: Dried figs, raisins, and orange marmalade.
  • Floral: Heather honey and a hint of wildflowers.
  • Sweet & Malty: Dark chocolate, toffee, and treacle.
  • Woody: Polished oak, roasted nuts, and tobacco leaf.
  • Spicy: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper warmth.
  • Peaty & Smoky: Delicate heather smoke with a touch of maritime saltiness.

Palate (Taste & Mouthfeel)

• Body: Full-bodied, rich, and velvety.
• Flavor Profile:
  • Sweet & Malty: Honeyed malt, dark chocolate, and butterscotch.
  • Fruity & Citrus: Stewed plums, black cherries, and candied orange peel.
  • Spicy & Peppery: Clove, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger warmth.
  • Woody & Oaky: Deep oak tannins, toasted almonds, and espresso.
  • Peaty & Smoky: Subtle, aromatic peat with a refined balance of spice and sweetness.
• Mouthfeel: Luxuriously smooth and well-rounded, with a long-lasting depth of flavor.

Finish (Aftertaste & Length)

• Length: Long and warming, with exceptional balance.
• Lingering Flavors: Dark chocolate, dried fruit, heather smoke, and gentle spice.
• Evolution: Starts with sherried sweetness and rich malt, developing into deep spice, oak, and a lingering smoky finish.

Style & Region Influence
Highland Park 18-Year-Old embodies Orkney’s signature whisky style, balancing sherry richness, gentle smoke, and coastal influence.

• Orkney Influence: Elegant heather smoke and maritime salinity.
• Sherry Cask Maturation: Enhances depth with dark fruit, spice, and oak notes.
• Balanced Peat & Sweetness: A refined, well-integrated smoky character rather than an overpowering peat presence.

Final Thoughts
Highland Park 18-Year-Old Viking Pride is a luxurious, well-balanced single malt that appeals to both seasoned whisky lovers and those exploring aged Scotch. Its rich, layered complexity makes it ideal for slow sipping neat or with a drop of water to unlock its full depth. A must-try for fans of sherried and subtly smoky whiskies.